South Africa fatal mass shooting leaves 11 dead including three-year-old

South Africa has shaken with horror as gunmen stormed into a hostel and killed at least 11 people, including three-year-old, leaving around 14 people injured.

Police spokesperson Brigadier Athlenda Mathe said, “At least three unknown gunmen entered this hostel where a group of people were drinking and they started randomly shooting.”

“I can confirm that a total of 25 people were shot. Ten died in this particular scene, and one died in hospital,” added Mathe. The victims also included a 12-year-old boy and a 16-year-old girl.

According to law enforcement authorities, they had initiated a “manhunt” for three people. However, the definite cause of mass shooting is unknown. As per police primary investigation, the killings could be linked to a bar selling alcohol illegally.

Mathe continued, “We are having a serious challenge when it comes to these illegal and unlicensed liquor premises. Innocent people also get caught up in the crossfire.”

The recent fatal incident is the latest one in a series of mass shootings in the crime-ridden country.

According to the statistics from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, South Africa has one of the highest murder rates globally.

As per police data, around 63 people were killed every day between April and September.